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THE SILVER LINING To Your Life & Health
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TURNING THE PAGE How Reading Opens a World of Possibilities
Books are powerful tools, allowing
woman in 1930s America. Reading her book was a defining moment in my life. It’s jarring to think about, but I might not have read any other books if it weren’t for that one . RELATING AS A READER When you become a thinker, you are obligated to be better. This was the lesson relayed to me through my reading of a book that had a great impact on me, “The Autobiography of Malcolm X,” the story of a pivotal civil rights activist and hero. In essence, it was the story of a troubled youth, whose outwardly violent and criminal acts culminated in his discovering God. Malcolm X found his way after being directed by a higher calling, which to me speaks to the cycle of life. SELF-AWARENESS AND SELF- ACTUALIZATION These days, I read a lot of books that many might call self-help books but that I like to call self-awareness books. Everything you want to be in life is already within you — just waiting to be brought out. Reading is a form of self- actualization: It allows me to fulfill my goals and realize my potential. LEARNING TO BETTER MY BUSINESS I found that it can be difficult to secure effective marketing services. You can sink a lot of money into advertisements without yielding efficient results. That’s why I have begun to read books about digital
marketing and even took a marketing class to shore up my knowledge on the subject. Understanding SEO, targeted advertisement, and how to best use analytics has helped me to become a better advocate for my brand and business. LEARNING TO BETTER MYSELF I suffer from temporomandibular disorder, or TMD, which causes pain and discomfort in my jaw. In order to better understand my diagnosis, I read about the ramifications of TMD on other parts of my body and how I can best manage my condition. From there, I discovered that my best route to recovery was physical therapy, which has helped mitigate my symptoms. On the topic of understanding, I also recently read “The Way of the Superior Man” by David Deida, which helps illuminate the importance of understanding the fairer sex and relates the importance of empathy and understanding when communicating with the women in your life. Through reading, we are able to gather context for why things are the way they are, bettering our understanding of the world and our fellow human beings.
us to unlock our potential and untether our imagination. They serve as entertaining avenues into crucial insights and valuable information; classic literature, impactful autobiographies, and informative textbooks all yield benefits for the reader. Whether you are turning the page or listening to an audiobook — my preferred method, as I am often on the move — reading is essential to developing one’s intellect. I learned this lesson in high school, and my reading journey continues to this day. STARTING MY JOURNEY I was not always an avid reader; in fact, before the 10th grade, I hadn’t really read a book. Sure, I had read “SparkNotes,” and skimmed through some chapters when they were assigned to me, but I had never taken a true personal interest in the written word. It wasn’t until my high school English teacher recommended that I read her favorite book, Zora Neale Hurston’s “Their Eyes Were Watching God,” that a light bulb went off for me. After getting through the first chapter, I was hooked. Hurston was considered a leader of a literary movement dubbed the Harlem Renaissance, and her pivotal work painted a vivid portrait of the life of a Black
Books broaden the mind and spirit, allowing us to become the best versions of ourselves possible.
–Duane Hamilton
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The Perfect Summer Jobs for Teens and Students Leave the Lemonade Stand Behind
A journal is like a mirror for the mind, allowing for greater self-reflection and self-improvement. The ink makes memories manifest, and the motions of your hand bring experiences to life. This is a beneficial experience for anyone, but especially for those with rich, storied lives, such as the older and wiser among us. Here are some of the incredible benefits of journaling for seniors. A VERSATILE TOOL There are great practical uses for your journal, like cataloging your meals and exercises each day. This can help you stay in shape and eat well, both of which are instrumental in living a longer, happier life. But that does not mean your journal has to be purely functional and pragmatic. You can also use it creatively: Write poetry, draw a picture, or even write autobiographical musings about your own life. COGNITIVE EXERCISE There are few better ways to exercise the mind than putting pen to paper. Much like a crossword puzzle or a game of Writing for Wellness The Power of Journaling for Seniors Few things feel better than cashing your first paycheck. If you want your kids to enjoy the joys of payday while building connections and resumes, then recommend they try to break into some of the best gigs available to teens and students this summer! TUTOR From juniors and seniors preparing for college placement tests to college students looking to build up credits over the summer semester, there is no shortage of young people looking for help with their studies. Tutoring can be fairly lucrative to start, with the average salary of a full-time tutor being about $39K per year; it’s an excellent way for young adults to break into a career in education — or just share their knowledge to help others struggling. POOL CLEANER Why not encourage your children to make money while enjoying the summer sun? The neighborhood pool cleaning circuit is abuzz with so many looking to
sudoku, journaling is an effective method of keeping your mind sharp and your memory strong. Drawing on past experiences in your writing can aid your recollection of stories you wish you could have at the forefront of your mind. Who knows what wonderful memories are hiding in the recesses of your mind, waiting for you to rediscover them? PRESERVATION OF KNOWLEDGE Think of your skill set and knowledge you have accrued over your life and career; this is valuable information and can be a boon to future generations. You can record sage advice and detail your experiences, and in turn, your writing can be put to use to better the lives of your children and grandchildren. If you are feeling generous, you can even share the culmination of your escape the heat. The average pool cleaner salary is around $32,000, with hourly rates varying depending on location and experience. If the work is enjoyable and comes naturally, it may be a great preamble for starting a pool cleaning business. GOLF CADDY Business often takes place on the green, and as a caddy, your child will be privy to all of it. In addition to carrying bags, finding loose balls, and giving advice on how to get the lowest score, golf caddies can also use their time to build valuable connections. The average pay for a golf caddy is around $18 per hour, but one of the best parts of being a caddy is that golfers make great tippers. Regardless of their choice of a summer job, getting out in the sun and making extra cash is a great way to kickstart your kids’ careers or save for college. If your kids have the opportunity to earn work experience, now is the best time to start!
writing with a wider audience to benefit a larger swath of the younger generation. That is not to say your journal is something you have to share — it is
yours to do with what you wish. As a private keepsake, it can be a cathartic means of expressing your innermost thoughts. The art of journaling is ideal for seniors, and can have a positive impact on you regardless of how you use it, or whom you share it with.
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gives us context to better understand the world around us. Combining lessons in history and science, Harari’s work takes us on an intellectual journey millenia in the making. ‘REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES’ Diving into fiction and the depths of a salty tank, Shelby Van Pelt’s “Remarkably Bright Creatures” is the story of Tova, an elderly widow whose son disappeared at sea. Tova spends her nights cleaning the Sowell Bay Aquarium, and there she develops an unexpected friendship with an exotic peer: Marcellus, a Pacific octopus. Together, the pair dive into the mysteries of Tova’s past and build a bond for the future. ‘FUZZ: WHEN NATURE BREAKS THE LAW’ Investigative journalist and lighthearted writer Mary Roach dives into the beastly topic of animal forensics in her humorous nonfiction book, “Fuzz: When Nature Breaks the Law.” Ever wonder how sentencing is determined for a grizzly that falls afoul of the law, or how the Vatican handles its sprawling pest problem? Roach answers these questions and more in her funny, informative look at man’s relationship with nature’s lawbreakers. Books to Enlighten and Entertain D iscover the J oy of R eading
Reading is a gateway to wisdom and clarity; if you are looking to get into reading, there is no better time than right now . If you feel you are too busy to sit down a read a book cover-to-cover, try audiobooks. You can download them to your phone and listen to them on your drive to work, on flights, or while doing household chores. Books can be entertaining, informative, and even transformative. Here are some great books to help you exercise your mind and discover new perspectives, philosophies, and skills. ‘SAPIENS: A BRIEF HISTORY OF HUMANKIND’ Written by historian and lecturer Yuval Noah Harari, “Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind” is an international bestseller that explores the story of our species from prehistoric times to the modern day. Learning about the rise and fall of empires, ideologies, and cultures
DEAR READERS, I ENCOURAGE YOU TO
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This recipe is packed with protein-rich quinoa and a colorful array of vegetables. It’s ideal for a healthy lunch or a quick dinner!
INGREDIENTS • 2 tbsp olive oil • 1 red bell pepper, diced • 1 yellow bell pepper, diced • 1 cup diced zucchini
• 1 cup diced mushrooms • 1 tsp dried oregano • Salt and pepper, to taste • 2 cups cooked quinoa
DIRECTIONS 1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. 2. Add bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. 3. Add oregano, salt, and pepper and stir to combine.
4. Add the cooked quinoa and mix thoroughly. 5. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, then serve.
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
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Discovering a Love for Reading and Learning
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Top Jobs for Teens and Students How Journaling Enriches the Lives of Seniors Books to Dive Into This Summer Quinoa Veggie Bowl
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Tips for a Stress-Free Backyard Barbecue
Host a Summer Barbecue for Everyone GRILL AND CHILL
Enjoying your own party can be more complicated than it sounds. Backyard barbecues are a high point of summer, but hosting one you enjoy with your guests requires planning. “If swimming is on the agenda, consider protecting new or light-colored indoor furniture with water-resistant covers so guests in wet swimsuits can sit wherever they want without stressing out their host,” says Calla Quinn, a TikTok influencer who recently posted tips on hosting up to 50 friends at your home. Another tip she shares is using of portable misting fans in dry climates. These devices create a fine mist to refresh passersby in seconds, and they are especially popular on patios and decks. If attendees offer to bring something, don’t hesitate to accept, and be specific about what you want — from lawn chairs to beach towels. Martha Stewart recommends having a stain remover on hand to manage stains and cloth towels that guests can use to wipe up spills. Expert hosts also recommend a self-serve bar for casual summer gatherings. Consider filling several 3-gallon drink
dispensers with popular options. Depending on your guest list, you might offer family fare such as lemonade, iced tea, ice water, or premixed cocktails like strawberry vodka lemonade or passion fruit margaritas. Martha Stewart suggests allowing amateur mixologists to concoct their own beverages by setting out bottled juices, artisanal sodas, and kombucha. A stylish yet simple way to serve hors d’oeuvres and side dishes to complement your grilled entree is to assemble or have catered a charcuterie board. These feature finger foods such as meats, cheeses, olives, spreads, fruits, nuts, chips, and crackers. A fully stocked charcuterie board adds a decorative touch while keeping guests well-fed for hours, adding what Quinn calls “a real wow factor.” And to make sure your day ends well, look for disposable, compostable bamboo or wooden dishes. Searching for “eco- friendly tableware and cutlery” should turn up some good options. This one last detail can go a long way toward supporting sustainable living while ensuring you don’t spend any valuable party time cleaning up broken glass or washing dishes.
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